Viewers of the Sci-Fi Channel's six-hour mini-series Tin Man may have been intrigued by its unexpectedly lavish score, a marvelous accompaniment for this brooding "re-imagining" of
L. Frank Baum's The Wizard of Oz. Composed by
Simon Boswell and performed by David Firman and an uncredited studio orchestra, the music bears much in common with contemporary adventure film soundtracks, resembling in many passages the heroic but dark scores by
Howard Shore for The Lord of the Rings,
John Williams and
Patrick Doyle for the Harry Potter films, or even some of
Danny Elfman's extraordinary work. Yet in spite of the obvious similarities with these examples,
Boswell's music is quite subtle and effective in its proper context, and it serves to enhance moods rather than draw attention to itself or provide commentary on the action. On disc, though, where details are more exposed than in the softer mix for television, everything is heard quite clearly, loudly, and even blatantly, so the music is less suggestive and more forcefully stated. What was merely hinted at as muted background music is front and center here, and the bold sound makes the combat pieces for full orchestra seem a little brutal and perhaps uncomfortable for home listening. Still, for collectors of evocative television scores, this album is a treat, full of haunting melodies, eerie effects, and epic scenes that are quite impressive and memorable.